Coupon Terms and Abbreviations

I remember the day I picked up my first manufacturer’s coupon. There were so many letters and numbers, it felt like it was in a completely foreign language. If you’re new to couponing, one of the first steps is to learn the lingo and become familiar with coupon terms and abbreviations. Here are some of the most common terms and abbreviations you’ll find on blogs, forums, and even on coupons.

$1/1: This indicates the value of the coupon. In this example, it means $1 off 1 item but this can be used on any value such as $3/2 ($3 off 2 items).

AC: After Coupon

AR: After Rebate

ASAV: Any Size Any Variety

B&M: This term refers to a brick & mortar store (as opposed to an online store)

Berry Cart: A free smartphone app users can use to earn cash for healthy products

Blinkie: A manufacturer coupon dispensed by a coupon machine found in the store aisle (usually attached to a shelf) next to products. This machine dispenses coupons one at a time in intervals and may be redeemed at any store. The term “blinkie” is used because you can recognize them by the blinking light on the box.

BOGO, B1G1: Buy one, get one. Usually, these coupons are used for buy one get one free or half off.

Cartwheel: A free smartphone app which gives discounts at Target in the form of percentage off certain items. This can be used at Target stores as a discount, and stacked with manufacturer and store coupons.

CAT or Catalina: These are a type of coupon which print at the register after you’ve made your purchase. These can range from cash on your next purchase or manufacturer’s coupon.

Checkout 51: Checkout 51 is a free cash back app you can use to earn cash back by purchasing certain products and uploading your receipt.

Coupon Database (CDB)- A database you can use to search for a specific coupon or find out if there is a coupon available for a specific brand or product.

Coupons.com- A privately held company offering printable coupons and other promotions.

Coupon Policy- The document or guidelines each store uses regarding coupons. This will provide details regarding coupon limits and what type of coupons stores will accept.

DND: Do not Double (some stores will double the face value of a coupon)

ECB: Extra Care Bucks (CVS rewards, will print on receipt)

E-Coupons: Electronic coupons that can be loaded directly to your store loyalty card or cell phone

EXP: Expires

ETS: Excludes Trial Size

FAR: Free After Rebate

Filler: An item or items bought in order to reach a certain total to use a percentage off coupon or free shipping.

Hopster: Hopster is a website which offers free printable manufacturer coupons. Coupons are available to print or you can “boost” the value of the coupon by using points you earn from the site by performing small tasks.

Ibotta: A free smartphone app used to earn cash back for products purchased.

GC: Gift Card or Gift Certificate

GM: General Mills

In-Ad: Coupons that come in the weekly store ad (you can find these by the entrance to the store)

Inserts: Coupons packets found in the Sunday newspapers.

IVC: Instant Value Coupon (used at Walgreens)

KFR: Kellogg’s Family Rewards (enter codes from products you buy to earn points which you can later use to redeem for prizes such as coupons, gift cards, and more).

MQ: Manufacturers Coupon

Matchups: A listing of available coupons that “match” the specific items listed, usually in a store sales ad.

MIR: Mail in Rebate

MobiSave: MobiSave is a free cash back smartphone app where you redeem offers by selecting one or more offers, and uploading your receipt.

MM – Money Maker – Refers to the total coupon value credit at register for a particular item being more than the original cost of the item.